Mother’s despair as Clegg visit called off

12:50pm Thursday 10th July 2008

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THE mother of a profoundly disabled man has spoken of her disappointment after Worcestershire County Council said Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg could not visit the doomed Pershore Care centre.

Mr Clegg had been due at the centre, which the council plans to close, today but will now meet users and their families at Judy Hall’s home at Birlingham, near Pershore, instead.

The Conservative-run council says it refused permission for Mr Clegg’s visit because of a policy that council resources, including staff and venues, should not be used to publicise politicians or their parties.

In a further twist, a photo call planned for the visit of Michael Gove, the shadow education secretary, to Gorse Hill school today was cancelled after your Worcester News queried why the same policy did not apply to it.

A council spokesman said the photo call – arranged by the Conservative party and with the knowledge of the headteacher – had been organised without the council’s permission.

The council’s spokesman said: “Any politician is entitled to meet parents and carers if they so wish but there is no persuasive reason why Mr Clegg’s forthcoming visit should take place on council premises.

“Our decision is not one that was taken lightly, but on the basis that the visit appeared contrary to political neutrality.

“There is a clear distinction between that proposed visit and that of Michael Gove because that is a private fact-finding visit organised through the headteacher, who has made it clear that no publicity work of any nature, for example photographs with pupils, will take place on the school premises.”

Mrs Hall, whose son Matthew, now aged 36, has used the centre for 20 years, said: “I can’t say I was terribly surprised.

“I think it’s sad that Nick Clegg wasn’t able to see these young men in situ in the place we are fighting to keep open, to meet the staff and see what’s done on a daily basis.”

In 1997, Tony Blair visited both the Upton Warren Education Centre, near Droitwich, and Arrowvale High School in Redditch – both council premises – as part of his campaign trail.